Japan · Wildlife

6-Hour Nagano Snow Monkey Tour with Obuse and Bilingual Taxi

6 Hours Round trip from Nagano Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See wild monkeys soaking in natural hot springs at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
02 Explore charming Obuse, known for historic streets, chestnut sweets, and sake breweries
03 Visit the Hokusai Museum showcasing the works of Katsushika Hokusai
04 Travel comfortably with a licensed bilingual taxi driver
05 Enjoy a flexible private itinerary that can be adjusted to your preferences

Enjoy a hassle-free private journey to one of Nagano's most famous attractions with a licensed bilingual taxi driver. Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to witness the famous hot spring-bathing monkeys in their natural habitat, then continue to the charming town of Obuse, known for its historic streets, Hokusai Museum, sake breweries, and local chestnut sweets. With convenient pickup and drop-off in Nagano City and comfortable licensed taxi transport, you can relax and focus on enjoying your time in Nagano.

Here, you can observe wild monkeys soaking in natural hot springs - a truly unique experience.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Nagano

Languages English, Japanese, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Snow Monkeys and Obuse Town Discovery

1️⃣ Pickup from Your Location (Nagano City Area)

Your taxi driver will pick you up from your hotel or Nagano Station, ensuring a convenient and comfortable start to your journey. Enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside as you head toward the Snow Monkey Park.

2️⃣ Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (40-minute drive)

On the way to the Snow Monkey Park, you'll make a short stop at a local farmer's market to try fresh seasonal apples and grapes. Nakano is famous for its Fuji apples and Mascot grapes, available only during harvest season.

Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk through a beautiful forest trail to reach the park. Here, you can observe wild monkeys soaking in natural hot springs - a truly unique experience. While you explore the park, your driver will wait for you in the parking area.

3️⃣ Drive to Obuse Town (30-minute drive)

After returning from the park, relax in a warm, comfortable taxi for a 30-minute scenic drive to Obuse, a charming Edo-period town known for its rich culture and historical attractions.

4️⃣ Explore Obuse & Lunch

Take a leisurely stroll through Obuse, famous for its traditional architecture, chestnut sweets, and sake breweries. Highlights include:

✔ Hokusai Museum - showcasing the works of legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai.

✔ Masuichi-Ichimura Sake Brewery - sample locally brewed Obuse sake.

✔ Local Chestnut Shops - try Obuse's famous chestnut desserts.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local Japanese restaurant, with delicious options such as soba noodles, tempura, or Obuse's specialty chestnut dishes.

5️⃣ Return to Nagano City

After a relaxing time in Obuse, sit back and enjoy the ride back to your hotel or Nagano Station.

Tour Duration

This tour typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, but the pace can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Want to customize your itinerary?

Let me know, and I'd be happy to tailor the tour to your needs.

Where this trip takes you

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Obuse Town, Hokusai Museum

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nagano 1 city · 6 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation within Nagano City
Bilingual licensed taxi driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water
Parking fee
Highway road fee (if any)

What's Not Included

Lunch
Snacks
Entrance/admission fee

What to bring

For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, please dress warmly, as the weather can be chilly, especially in the winter months. The path leading to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park can be slippery, so we recommend wearing sturdy, non-slip shoes to ensure your safety and comfort during the walk. Layered clothing is also a good idea, as temperatures may vary throughout the day.

Know before you go

Duration: The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including travel time to each destination.
Walking: The walk to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is about 30 minutes each way on a forest trail, which can be slippery in the winter months.
Clothing: Please dress warmly and wear comfortable, sturdy, non-slip shoes for walking, especially in winter conditions.
Weather: The weather in Nagano can be cold and unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, especially in the mountain areas.
Flexible itinerary: The tour can be customized based on your preferences, so feel free to discuss any specific requests with your driver.
This itinerary allows enough time to visit the Snow Monkey Park while your driver waits comfortably in the taxi, followed by a visit to Obuse and a relaxing lunch.
If you'd like to customize your itinerary, please let me know.
Monkeys: The snow monkeys are wild animals, so while you can observe them closely, please remember to respect their space and keep a safe distance.

Logistics